PRIMARY PURPOSE: Serves as a role model for nutritious meal preparation; prepares meals for specified classes daily and complete daily paperwork; works with teaching team, parents, and children; participates in training programs as designated by supervisor. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Reason position exists is to perform these functions): FOOD PREPARATION AND PLANNING Prepare food daily. Use planned rotation menus; follow approved and credited recipes for menu items and for cook's choice (up to twice monthly). Prepare nutritious and appealing meals and snacks that meet the developmental and individual needs/interests of children 0-5, following CACFP guidelines. Meals are planned and prepared for serving at specified meal times. Collaborates with parents, site teams, and Health Component Staff to ensure that individual child nutrition needs are documented, monitored, and updated regularly. Purchase food weekly or twice weekly using prepared shopping lists. Attractively present food to children and role model good eating habits. PURCHASING/PAPERWORK Complete weekly inventory, ordering and receiving of food, checking for accuracy and quality. Purchase food weekly using prepared shopping lists and agency procurement process. Follow purchase order system and submit all POs to (Area Manager and) accounting weekly and no later than last day of each month. Document all food temperatures and refrigerator/freezer temperatures daily according to procedure. Ensure USDA point of service meal count is completed daily and monitored for accuracy. Submit meal counts, working menus, and refrigerator/freezer temperature sheets to the Health Component Staff on the last working day of month. Post menus by first day of each month and provide to parents one month in advance. Ensure that all allergy/special diet paperwork and documentation is completed. Ensure posting of allergies before child’s first eating experience. Collect Menu Planning forms after parent completion and turn them in throughout the year. Complete paperwork accurately and on time. EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: High School Diploma or equivalent required. Two years paid experience and/or training directly related to the Position Description preferred. Ability to communicate and work with children and families. Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative as well as ability to work with a team. Willingness to follow program food philosophy.
